“In Retribution for our Sins”

We all have failings that are consistent with our weaknesses.  Each one has a favorite sin that is stored deep within our soul, and we somehow seem to hang on at all costs.  When we fail and allow our conscience to remind us of our slip we usually do not require a written expose’ to confess.  It becomes a play-back and our regret sounds like a bell calling us to seek forgiveness.

St. Paul says in Second Corinthians;  “that in order to not become too conceited a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from becoming too elated.” “Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, but he said My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.”  2 Cor. 12: 7-9.

Now no one has been able to discern what this thorn is, and sin perhaps was not the malady.  Nevertheless, as with Paul, the reminder of something we have no control over will require Divine Intervention,  Consequently, sin can easily become a thorn that will constantly gnaw at our sense of the flesh and the words of Jesus regarding weakness opens the door to his grace.

Even when we confess a particular sin the need to clear it over and over becomes a nuance to seek the mercy of God more than once.

Need we be reminded of the words from the Exultet during the Easter Vigil, “O happy fault, O necessary sin of Adam which gained for us so great a Redeemer.”  Without the sin of Adam, Christ would not have come and we would still be in our sins! 

There are several articles I wrote regarding sin.  In one I reminded readers that the Sacrament of Reconciliation provides an endless path to Sanctifying Grace.  The Attraction to sin becomes a dimly lighted hall that creates a reason to seek God’s Forgiveness and his ultimate mercy.  That is the main thrust of the Incarnation.  Forgiveness for our sins and the endless generosity of his Mercy.

Ralph B. Hathaway, Retribution for our sins.  September 2021